Immunizations

Measles Overview

Measles continues to spread in the state of New Mexico. Staying up to date on vaccinations is important. We can help keep illness from spreading in our community by getting vaccinated.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can linger in the air for two hours.
Symptoms are: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the whole body.
Serious complications can occur, including pneumonia, brain swelling leading to seizures, coma and death.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine Information

Your best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated or to be immunized.

• 1 dose of MMR vaccine provides you with 94% of protection against measles
• 2 doses of MMR vaccine provide you with 97% of protection against measles

Most people who get the MMR vaccine are protected for life against measles and two other serious diseases, mumps and rubella. Measles is primarily a disease of people who are not immunized.

Who Should Get the MMR Vaccine?

All children should get two doses:

• The first one at 12 through 15 months of age
• The second dose at 4 through 6 years of age

If you are living in an area where there is a measles outbreak your child may receive the first dose as early as 6 months of age. Talk to your pediatrician if this applies to you.

• Adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles:
• Should get at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine, If there is a need for a second dose, it may be given at least 28 days from the first dose.
• Students at post – high school education institutions.
• Healthcare personnel
• International travelers
• Women who are breastfeeding

Adults vaccinated for measles between 1963 and 1968 should check their vaccination history, the reason being is that in mentioned period a vaccine was used and found to be less effective and was withdrawn. Talk to your physician.

Where Can I Get the MMR Vaccine?

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Helpline can help you find local pharmacies with vaccine in stock, coordinate with public health offices to get you vaccinated and answer medical questions. Please call 1-833-796-8773.

You can also visit the NMDOH and Center for Disease Control (CDC) online.

View a measles flyer from the CDC in English (measles flyer el español).

View the Environmental Health Department's measles flyer.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Information

Influenza, or flu, is a viral respiratory illness that is spread person to person via respiratory droplets when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms of the flu often come on suddenly and can include, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. In 2019, it’s estimated that between 39‒56 million individuals in the United States had the flu and 410,000‒740,000 people were hospitalized for their illness.

This year, it’s important to get vaccinated for the flu to help reduce respiratory illness and preserve limited health care resources that may be in short supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the City of Albuquerque Doing to Promote Vaccination?

In order to best serve our community, the City of Albuquerque is encouraging all of its employees to get vaccinated for the flu at our yearly employee vaccination events. We are also partnering with other State and local agencies to spread the word and encourage all residents to get vaccinated.

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. Contact your primary care doctor or the New Mexico Department of Health to find a vaccine near you.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.